Occupational health and safety news and guidance

A recycling company has been fined after a teenager with a promising
career in motocross had his foot broken by a 16-tonne machine.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecuted Countrystyle
Recycling Limited of Lenham, Maidstone, for failing to operate a safe
system at working at their site in Folkestone, Kent.

Maidstone Magistrates' Court heard that on 22
February 2010, Daniel Brown, 19, was sorting waste at the recycling
plant in Park Farm Close when a tyre of a 16-tonne shovel ran over his
right foot.

Mr Brown broke 16 bones in his foot and is still suffering with pain
and arthritis. He has had to give up a possible career in Motocross,
having won races at national level and negotiated a potential
sponsorship package. He cannot learn to drive for his car licence and
has not been able to return to work.

The HSE investigation found there was no system in operation to
ensure moving vehicles and pedestrians were segregated. Employees were
simply told verbally to stay clear of manoeuvring vehicles.

Countrystyle Recycling Limited of Ashford Road, Lenham, Maidstone, Kent,
pleaded guilty to breaching section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at
Work etc. Act 1974 in relation to the incident. The firm was fined
£10,000 and ordered to pay £6,221 in costs.